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Lions Lowdown

Join me at 3 p.m. on Thursday for a live chat on the Detroit Lions as they prepare for the regular season opener at the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Bring all your questions and comments.

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3rd & 7 37yd

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Welcome to today's chat. The Lions are practicing as we speak in preparation for the opener at the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Just got in from the early portion of practice open to the media. DeAndre Levy, Larry Warford and Caraun Reid did not practice. Levy, who has an injured hip, is improving and responding to treatment according to Jim Caldwell earlier today. The coach would not rule him out for Sunday, but he's not expected to play. Any questions, ask away. ...

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:01:53 PM

Zenner will be rookie of the year with 1239 Yards Rushing, 256 Passing & 7 Touch Downs!!

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:04:09 PM

We will see. First he's got to be active on Sundays. That is not a given. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said today that Zenner is good on special teams and they are comfortable with him on the offense but he couldn't say if he'll be active on Sunday. They only can have 46 active.

ALLEN PARK >> DeAndre Levy, who has a hip injury, is unlikely to play on Sunday but Lions coach Jim Caldwell would not rule him out.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:06:07 PM

Also, sorry had to cancel the chat at the last minute last week. My car died at lunchtime and spent hours waiting for it to get fixed and, of course, my laptop was at home.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:07:28 PM

Levy out……Not Good. Who is the next man up there? Van Noy?

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:07:30 PM

On the depth chart Josh Bynes is the next guy. Bynes has experience and, if he's the guy, should be able to step in. Of course Levy is tough to replace but expectations are for the next guy to step up ... Just to make sure, the team has not said Levy is out for Sunday but he hasn't practice in over 2 weeks so it doesn't look good.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:09:08 PM

Sunday will be the first chance that Lions fans have to see DT Haloti Ngata.He didn't play in preseason games. What do you expect?

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:11:10 PM

Paula, I’m just not sold on the D-line. I thought we would of added veteran off the scrap pile. Same with right tackle.

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:12:04 PM

Give it a look on Sunday. I don't know exactly what to expect, but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said today he loves the D-line. Ngata is a veteran and while Tyrunn Walker hasn't started much he's been around. I'd expect to see Jermelle Cudjo in the rotation at DT. Also keep an eye on No. 58 Phillip Hunt, a DE. He's really impressed this coaching staff ... Not sure if LaAdrian Waddle will be ready to start at RT and if he doesn't it will be Cornelius Lucas. I know a lot of fans don't like Lucas, but offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said this morning that he's improved and he was good enough to start last season. We will see. Caldwell said today he'll learn a lot more about this team after this first game.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:15:27 PM

Should we be worried about Worford? And or Reid?

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:16:48 PM

They both have high ankle sprains which are tricky injuries. They're walking around and are able to be out and watch practice without wearing orthopedic boots. Not sure if they'll be ready for Sunday but shouldn't be too long. Manny Ramirez will likely start at right guard if Warford is out - he played there at times for Broncos last season. If Reid is out, there are enough guys. Either Cudjo or Gabe Wright could see more time. Darryl Tapp can also play inside.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:20:16 PM

If you missed my story from earlier today - on this date in 1989 Barry Sanders played his first game for the Lions. He didn't start, but he restored the roar >. ow.ly

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:21:46 PM

This will be the year we sweep the Pack!! That is a Big Buck Wayno prediction!! Arron Rodgers Meet Haloti Ngata!! Or at least I hope that is how it goes.

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:21:54 PM

It's the next logical step for the Lions who were 5-1 in the NFC North last year with the only loss coming at Green Bay. It's a good opportunity for the Lions because they play at Lambeau on Nov. 15 when they'll be coming off the bye week. That will be their first meeting this season.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:23:31 PM

Still scared about the D-line. I’m going to miss Suh and Fairley crushing Cutler. I think a couple of Rodger/Cutler sandwiches from Ngata & Walker would help.

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:25:05 PM

I think people should relax about the defense being without Suh. Chatted with DE Darryl Tapp about that this week and he can't believe it's still an issue. They have moved on. Also don't look at it as a one-on-one swap of Suh for Ngata. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has had since March to plan for this and make adjustments.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:26:43 PM

Yea, but ou have got to admit a Rodger/Cutler sandwiches from Ngata & Walker would be Sweet!!

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:28:21 PM

It certainly would be interesting. Suh seemed to be extra hyped up for the Packers each game, I think it will be the same with the new guys.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:29:17 PM

Very Excited about the backfield this year!!When was the last time we had this talent in the backfield? Not since Derrick Moore & Eric Lynch

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:31:07 PM

You are right. Between Ameer, Joique, Theo, Zenner and Burton they have plenty of weapons. It's likely they won't all be active on Sundays though. We'll see.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:32:31 PM

Hi Paula, We all need to sit back and enjoy the ride this year. The defence will be just fine and the offence will be better. Please remember that with all the years Suh was here before TA the defence was just ok to not so good.Trust the coachs and the desire to be great by the players. 12-4

by Randy9/10/2015 7:32:57 PM

Hey,, I'm with you. I think the big difference with this defense came when Teryl Austin was hired. Suh had his best year last year and I credit Austin with that. Suh never took the Lions to the Super Bowl and I don't see him leading the Dolphins there this year either. ... Austin is an excellent coordinator and he's got a great staff that teaches a lot - they make the young guys better. Look at Darius Slay. ... The O-line should be better and with that, the run game should be vastly improved. Not sure why so many are down on the Lions. Martin Mayhew thinks they're a better team than last year and I agree. And remember last year they were 11-5 and went to the playoffs.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:35:19 PM

Do you see the lions signing another DT? I think they should sign Phil Taylor he could be a good player next to Ngata with Walker being the rotational man

by LionsNation9/10/2015 7:35:21 PM

Plenty of Phil Taylor fans out there, but I don't see the Lions going after him. He's got a bad knee which is why they Steelers weren't interested in signing him after he was released by Browns. I think the Lions are fine with their DTs - Ngata, Walker, Reid, Wright, Cudjo. Also Darryl Tapp and Jason Jones can play inside.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:40:07 PM

14-2, though I had my confidence shaken recently. NFL aka WWF. The ESPN article was a peek behind the curtain.

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:40:38 PM

Well 14-2 seems optimistic to me. They've got a brutal start with 3 of the first 4 on the road - at San Diego, Minnesota and Seattle.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:41:33 PM

Prediction for the game this Sunday?I have it Lions 37 Chargers 31Lions 11-5 win the NFC North

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:44:12 PM

My prediction for Sunday: Lions 31, Chargers 27 ...

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:44:39 PM

Two losses, Seahawks and Saints, voodoo...

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:44:42 PM

Like I said, opimisitic.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:45:01 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Minny in second

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:45:06 PM

The Vikings took a huge hit this week when they lost starting center John Sullivan for at least the first half of the season. A lot of the national media has the Vikings second to the Packers with the Lions in third.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:46:00 PM

Paula what is one of your favorite Lions moments? Mine: Punter Jim Arnold faking everyone and running for a first down! I know it happened but I can’t remember what game it was and can find no footage on the net! Do you remember that?

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:46:08 PM

I kind of half remember something like that fake punt, but couldn't find anything doing a quick search.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:47:47 PM

Big Joe is going to come back to the “D” and torch us for 3 TD’s like he did the Browns

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:47:49 PM

For those of you who haven't heard, Joe Fauria signed with the Arizona Cardinals. They play at Ford Field on Oct. 11.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:48:24 PM

Is the book 24 interviews?

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:48:27 PM

Close to that. Interviewed many of best Lions - Barry Sanders, Lem Barney, Charlie Sanders, Billy Sims and even Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson ... Many more too including Scott Mitchell who was great ... Book comes out Oct. 27.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:49:37 PM

Big Joe is a bit scary, I blame him for his cut.

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:49:48 PM

I just get the feeling that Fauria was not the kind of player that Caldwell likes - that's not good or bad - I just get that feeling. It didn't help that he was hurt most of last season.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:50:44 PM

Kellen Moore will finish the second half of the season as Dallas’s starting QB!

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:51:49 PM

That would be interesting wouldn't it. Tony Romo does seem to have injury woes. It seems like one of the reasons Moore went to the Cowboys because former Lions offensive coordinator Scott LInehan coaches there now.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:52:52 PM

I was hoping to fly in for that game, but my budget is tight. I think it'll be a big game.

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:53:09 PM

You talking Cardinals at Lions? Could be big ...

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:53:24 PM

Kellen should pick up that system easily.

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:54:13 PM

Kellen is a smart kid.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:54:25 PM

Coming out party against AZ

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:55:38 PM

Oct. 11

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:55:39 PM

We are the best in the division.

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 7:56:11 PM

There's also some talk out there that Calvin Johnson is on the decline. His teammates disagree. See my story >> www.theoaklandpress.com

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:57:15 PM

This is all I could every find on the Jim Arnold first down thing:“blocked the punt and Arnold got the ball back and made a first down out of it.”

by Wayne Fontes9/10/2015 7:58:03 PM

I'll look into it when I have more time. ... I think my favorite moment is the game Barry set the record, Reggie Brown was hurt and the Lions won and made the playoffs.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 7:58:49 PM

Paula, Can you give me your deep down heart felt opinion on what

by Randy9/10/2015 7:59:06 PM

I think the end of your question is missing. My deep down feeling on what is going on with this team? It's a better team than last year. It doesn't matter how many wins they have. The Lions will only have a successful season if they win a playoff game.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 8:00:00 PM

If we walk away from AZ 4 &1, then the league will pay attention.

by kedavis410 9/10/2015 8:00:38 PM

That would be pretty amazing. And yes this team will only get respect once it starts to win consistently.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 8:00:57 PM

paula, can you give me your deep down heart felt opinion on what you expect from the lions this year, I my self have a hard time sleeping because I am so excited for this year, I have been a huge fan since 1958 and this is the year.

by Randy9/10/2015 8:02:35 PM

Relax, Randy. If the Lions stay healthy they are going to be fine. I can see why some fans are excited. Good talent, depth, leadership and good coaching staff top to bottom.

by Paula Pasche 9/10/2015 8:03:07 PM

Thanks everyone for your questions today - great as always. Join me again next Thursday at 3 p.m. for the next chat. I think we'll know much more about this team after Sunday's game - win or lose. Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche for continous updates ... Have a great weekend!!